The Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health building is one step closer to becoming a reality at Butler County Community College.

On Wednesday, the county commissioners approved the college's request for a $9 million bond for the $18 million construction of the building, plus a maintenance building on the property.

Nick Neupauer, BC3 president, explained that the college is completing the bond financing of the new facility on behalf of the state, which requires the county's approval.

He said the county has so far raised $4 million in donations, and plans to dedicate its general fund balance and possibly a small bank note to the project, which requires a $9 million commitment by the college.

The college's bond firm, PFM, has secured a bond with an interest rate of 2.6%, which Jim Hrabosky, BC3's vice president of administration and finance, said is the lowest rate paid of any bond used at the college.

Hrabosky said the loan will be paid back over 20 years.

He is hoping the deal will close April 1.

Hrabosky said the first phase of the project, which has begun, is the razing of an operations building on the south end of the campus and the construction of a new version.

The new operations building is slated to be completed in June, he said.

Hrabosky said BC3 officials are hoping the entire project will be completed within 18 to 24 months.

Neupauer said the new facility will increase the capacity of enrollment in nursing programs at BC3.

A licensed practical nurse program will be added once the facility is complete, as will a collaboration with Grove City College and Concordia Lutheran Services.

Commissioner Kim Geyer, who also sits on the BC3 board of trustees, commended Neupauer and his team for their strenuous fundraising for the project.

“I'm excited to see the partnerships that have helped create the success of these projects,” Geyer said.

Neupauer said finding donations for BC3 is not difficult because of its regard in the community.

“People really enjoy giving to a winner,” he said.

Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said the fact that the college did not ask the county for funding demonstrates the generosity that abounds in Butler County.

“It speaks well of the community,” she said.

Osche also said the project gives back to health care employers in the county.

“This expands our capacity to fill our community's need for nurses,” Hrabosky said.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel pointed out that BC3 has been designated the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania for five or six years.

All three commissioners voted to approve the bond for the Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health building.